Deliciously Easy Christmas Dinners That Require Minimal Effort

Gift-wrapping, decorating the tree, and wading through the shops to find the perfect presents. Christmas can be an incredibly busy time of year. Who wants to spend hours in the kitchen cooking a complicated dinner when there's so much else to do? Here are some delicious and easy recipes that will make your holiday season a little less stressful.

Traditional Roast Turkey

A classic dish for a Christmas dinner is roast turkey. It's a great way to feed a large group of people and the leftovers can be used for sandwiches and salads later in the week. To cook a turkey, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub your turkey with some butter and seasonings of your choice and place it in a roasting pan. Add in some potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery around the turkey and cook for about 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Slow Cooker Ham

Another great option for an easy Christmas dinner is ham. Place a 4-5 pound ham in your slow cooker, cover it with some apple cider, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Before serving, brush the ham with a bit of honey and brown sugar; this gives it a beautiful glaze. You can also add in some cloves and cinnamon sticks to give it an extra festive flavor. Serve the ham with mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Pot Pie

For a hearty but still easy dinner, try making a pot pie. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook some diced onions and garlic in some oil. Add in some chicken or turkey and cook until it is no longer pink. Once the meat is cooked, add in some frozen vegetables and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with a prepared pie crust. Bake for 40 minutes and enjoy!

Lasagna

Lasagna is a great option if you want to make something a bit more special for your Christmas dinner. To make a simple lasagna, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook some ground beef or Italian sausage until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, add in some tomato sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the meat and sauce mixture with lasagna noodles and ricotta cheese. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 30 minutes. Serve with a side of salad for a complete meal.